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Creative Data Solutions (CDS) is a Vanderbilt Shared Resource and has extensive experience in providing effective and robust solutions to challenges pertaining to research data using modern informatics and bioinformatics approaches.

Goldenring Lab

The Goldenring laboratory studies a number of subjects that
apply broadly to epithelial biology. We pursue three distinct
programmatic areas. First, we are investigating the protein
machinery required for the regulation of the recycling to the
plasma membrane of receptors, ion transporters and ion
channels. These studies focus on the ability of the Rab11
family of small GTPases (Rab11a, Rab11b and Rab25) to initiate and
coordinate the assembly of multiprotein complexes regulating
vesicle trafficking. Over the past several years, we have
identified myosin Vb as the molecular motor involved in movement
towards the plasma membrane. We have also identified a family of at
least 8 other Rab11 family interacting proteins (Rab11-FIPs) that
also participate in the regulation of plasma membrane recycling.
Present investigations center on understanding the assembly of
endogenous complexes, the regulation of recycling by
phosphorylation of Rab11-FIP proteins by the kinase Par1b/MARK2,
and the influence of Rab11-FIPs and Rab25 on the induction of
gastrointestinal cancer. We are also studying the
Rab25-/-;Smad3-/+ mouse, which is the most
invasive spontaneous colorectal cancer model. Second, we have
had a long-standing interest in gastritis, oxyntic atrophy and
gastric cancer. We have identified a previously unrecognized
metaplastic lineage associated with loss of gastric parietal
cells. This lineage, designated Spasmolytic polypeptide
expressing metaplasia (SPEM) is associated with gastric cancer in
both humans as well as in mouse models of Helicobacter
infection. Our recent studies have led to the recognition
that SPEM arises from transdifferentiation of mature chief cells
into mucous cell metaplasia, rather than from alterations in
resident mucosal stem cells. We are presently focusing on
understanding how macrophage immune cell regulators influence the
development and progression of metaplasia, the importance miRNAs in
gastric carcinogenesis, and the role of Ras activation in the
initiation of transdifferentiation and the evolution of
pre-neoplastic metaplasia. Third, we have a long commitment
to the study of cAMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring proteins
(AKAP). Our present investigations focus on a multiply
spliced family of 350-450 kDa AKAPs which we have designated
AKAP350. Our present investigations center on both the
investigation of the role of AKAP350 in regulating centrosome
dynamics and the elucidation of AKAP350 function in regulating
Golgi structure and function.